Sussex is set to employ a record number of police officers.

A total of 40 more recruits will be taken on during the next 12 months, bringing the total number of officers to 3,140, the highest the force has had.

With the recent introduction of 22 community support officers, the force is promising higher visibility and increased public reassurance.

Councillor David Rogers, chairman of the Sussex Police Authority, said: "We are also increasing the range of our contact with the public and are increasing reception opening hours at police stations.

"This year will be particularly challenging for the force because the Government has changed the way it shares grants between police authorities. The winners are the North and Sussex has been one of the main losers.

"However, Sussex is one of few forces where overall crime fell between 2002/03 and the new targets we have set are intended to ensure this trend continues."

Chief Constable Ken Jones said: "More police officers on local front-line teams are improving the service to the community and victims of crime.

"This will reinforce the police presence at the centre of local communities."

The force has published its Local Police Plan for the next 12 months.

Copies are available at police stations and libraries, or it can be downloaded from the Sussex Police Authority web site at www.sussex.police/authority